K: This is our last post from Denver and with the sweltering temperatures here in Texas, we sure wish that we could return to Colorado! These photos are from an afternoon walk in downtown Denver but Brandon and I thought it would be fun to share three things that we always try to do when we’re traveling. Not only do these tips ensure a better trip, but it ensures that you’re going to be stress-free and that you’ll remember the happy moments from your travels.
1. Pick Purposeful Flights
We’ve learned our lesson with this one! On our flight home from Costa Rica, we weren’t due to arrive in San Antonio until midnight. Both Brandon and I had work the next day and we were beyond exhausted. We decided it was too hard on us to book our flights with a late return and then go to work the next day. Our new rule is to either have a buffer day in between so that we can regroup, unpack, and organize, or make sure that we’re catching an early flight home.
In addition to this, we always try to plan our flights so that we’re arriving at our hotel destination in the early afternoon. Most hotels won’t let you check in until 3:00 PM, so you might as well try to find a flight that will land a bit before that, ensuring that you can catch a ride to the hotel and not have to wait for your room to be ready. It’s also nice to have the evening to settle in, grab some dinner, and get used to the city or destination. I’ve found that after a full day of travel, the last thing I want to do is a big excursion or something.
2. Pay Ahead and Make Reservations
One of the nicest things you can do for yourself when planning a trip or vacation is to pay ahead of time. Depending on how much time you have for planning, try to book in advance and pay off the plane ticket on your credit card as soon as possible. When we book at hotels, we will always try to pay right then and there, as opposed to when we’re checking out. There’s nothing worse than ending your fabulous trip and coming home to a massive pile of bills.
In finding where to eat and what to do, Brandon and I both believe in a balance. We love having the option to explore, walk the streets, and stumble upon a quaint restaurant. At the same time, sometimes it can be overwhelming to choose two or three different restaurants a day for your meals. We recommend having an idea of where you’d like to go and potentially having a reservation for your top restaurant choices. It has always worked out well for us if I can make a list of the good restaurants (based off research and recommendations), and then we’ll usually try to eat at one of the recommended spots per each day of the trip. Everything else is by happenstance, depending on our moods and what looks good.
3. Find a Keepsake
This piece of advice is so important to both Brandon and I. We vowed that on each of our trips, we’ll bring some sort of souvenir keepsake home. When we honeymooned in Mexico, we brought back embroidered pillows from the local market. From Charleston, it was a watercolor print of a pineapple to symbolize hospitality. From Denver, we found a street artist typing out poems, based off your personal topic request. All of these items now have a special place in our home and I can’t help but think how cool our collection will be in fifty years. It’s such a wonderful way to remember the special moments from your travels and it will guarantee that you can talk about your trips and reminisce about the past.
On Katherine: Anthropologie sweater, Forever 21 skirt (less than $20!), OTK boots, Kendra Scott earrings, Michele watch
On Brandon: Similar button down, AG jeans, Sperry shoes
These are all awesome trips especially to ease the stress of traveling! LOVE both of your outfits–especially that black ruffle sweater!!
Rosy Outlook
Thanks Kelly!! You looked gorgeous today in that white sweater!
Great tips! I love finding a keepsake on trips – even if it’s something simple like a magnet. I’m also all about buffer days in between coming home and going back to work.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
#weekending
Yes Lauren! Totally agree 🙂
Love your cute skirt and boots outfit! These are great tips. I know Russ and I enjoy travel more when we plan ahead. Getting a keepsake is a good idea.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thanks Amy Ann! It really helps to make it special and bring a piece of that particular place home with you!
Anything to make traveling easier is much needed!! Awesome tips!! Thanks!!
Thanks Amy!! Have a great Monday!
That’s such a great idea to get a keepsake from each of your trips. I will have to remember that for the next time we travel. Also, I’m obsessed with your outfit! Love the skirt and it is so cute with that ruffle sleeve sweater!
xo, Rachel
A Blonde’s Moment
Thanks Rachel!! It definitely helps to commemorate the trip 🙂
These are such great tips. I really need to bring keepsakes home more, I always forget!
Xoxo,
Whitney & Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
You two are just so cute, I love that skirt and sweater you have on!
Camila,
My Vogue Style | http://www.myvoguestyle.com
Thanks girl! So appreciate you stopping by! Loved your latest post on the neutral outfit!
You guys are couple goals! I love that outfit and boots! http://mariannyc.com/2017/10/13/3-reasons-why-you-should-have-a-blog/
Oh my goodness! You are too sweet! Thanks for stopping by Mariann 🙂
Great tips, I always push the flight/ returning to work time but my husband always has a buffer.
xoxo Falasha
Bite My Fashion
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We’ve done both! Definitely prefer the buffer!
Love all these tips! I like having buffer days too!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
It’s the best!!
great tips! and you guys look great!!
kisses from the sandpit ❤︎
http://www.mahryska.com
Thanks so much!! Appreciate you stopping by and I loved your post on the other side of blogging!!
These tips are on point! I have done the get in at midnight flight then work the next day and it is seriously miserable. LOVE your skirt too, Katherine.
I love these tips! It’s such a great list, and I love that you two are such perfect travel buddies together too! It makes such a better experience for traveling. Your boots are fab too!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
Aww thanks Shauna! Totally agree with you 🙂
I love these tips! The flight one is definitely a big one for Héctor and I. We also have learned the hard way by getting in late and having to work the next day. Love the outfits!
Thanks Melissa!! So glad to have you as a loyal reader 🙂
A buffer day in between is HUGE! Even if it’s not a full day, but it’s nice to have a day before going back to work to decompress and just relax!
Exactly! It helps so much!
How cool, lovely ideas!!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: MES VOYAGES A PARIS
Love these tips! Thanks for sharing.
Angie
http://www.thefashionfuse.com/
Such a lovely couple! I love your red skirt dear, looks really perfect with your long boots!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com